Despite rain statewide this month, the New Hampshire Forest Protection Bureau reports that 72% of the Granite State is currently experiencing abnormally dry conditions.

The bureau is reminding the public that spring is the beginning of the state’s wildfire season and the risk of wildfires every year is increasing. More than 80% of New Hampshire is forested, second in the country only to the state of Maine.

In 2024, the number of wildfires in the state increased 24% and the number of acres burned nearly doubled compared with the previous year. Thirty-seven structures were threatened and four destroyed by wildfires.

“Many homes in New Hampshire are located in what’s called ‘the wildland urban interface,’ or ‘WUI,’ which means they’re where homes and other structures are built in or near wildfire fuels like forests and fields,” said Chief Steven Sherman of the bureau. “Wildfires burn more than just forests and fields, so it’s extra important to keep homes safe from wildfire by taking steps to keep that interface as safe as possible.”

Debris and open burning are the top causes of wildfires in New Hampshire. Other factors include equipment and vehicles that overheat or throw sparks, firearms and explosives, improperly disposed smoking materials and arson.

Under state law, anyone wishing to have an outdoor fire, unless there is snow on the ground, must obtain a state fire permit in advance from the local fire department. Permits are issued only on days when daily fire danger conditions indicate that it is safe to burn. Permits may also be obtained online at nhfirepermit.com.

Topics
Catastrophe
Natural Disasters
Wildfire